Antisplitting device



June 30, 1942.

R. E. BEEGLE ANTI-SPLITTING DEVYICE' Filed Oct. 4 1941 IN VENT OR.

Patented June 30, 1942 UNITED STATES @ATEN'E' OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in anti-splitting devices oranchor irons for reinforcing structural timber, and has particularreference to an improved iron of a character especially suitable forapplication to railway crossties, to prevent spike splitting, verticaland season checks and other irregular splitting of such ties.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an anti-splittingiron for the purpose indicated, which is characterized by a greatlyimproved effectiveness or holding power against tie splitting, checkingand thelike.

Another object of substantially equal importance to the presentinvention resides in the provision of an improved reinforcing iron of arugged and effective construction, which is selflockin in its embeddedposition in a railway cross-tie or the like, and further, wherein theimproved construction thereof is such as to adapt the iron not only foreffective resistance to extrusion from the timber under the influence oftimber splitting and checking forces, but for equally effectiveresistance to shifting displacement longitudinally of the iron and toturning of the iron about either or both of its ends.

Other objects and advantages attained by the present improvements willappear readily from the following description of the invention, asillustrated by preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing,wherein:

Fig. '1 is an elevation in perspective, of one preferred form of anchoriron embodying the features of the invention, the iron being broken awayin one portion, to reveal in transverse section, the bevelled enteringedge thereof; Fig. 2 is an end view of a typical railway cross-tie ofcenter-pith selection, showing at least one major vertical check and theusually encountered season checks, and illustrating the presentlyimproved anchor iron in application to the tie end;

Fig. 3 illustrates in side elevation, an iron of a modified form butwhich, nevertheless embodies the essential features of the invention;Fig. 4 is a view in plan, of the modified iron, and Fig. 5 illustratesin end elevation, a, modification in the terminal element at the freeend of each arm of the improved iron.

Referring to the drawing by appropriate characters of reference, theiron of the preferred sections H at the opposite ends of the body. The rarms H each of which is of a length desirably less than that of thebody, are directed laterally from the same side of the body, andpreferably diverge therefrom to a degree such that each bears apredetermined desired angular relation to the body, approximatingaccording to the present example, an angle of about 135 degrees betweenthe body and arm.

Each of the arms II is integrally joined to the body Ill by a smoothlycurved portion l2 con tituting a shoulder, While the opposite, outer endof the arm is turned inwardly as shown, to provide an angulate,substantially closed element or locking terminal M, which according tothe present example, is generally triangular in form. The leg [5 of thetriangular terminal which integrally joins the latter to the arm I I, isby preference, turned outwardly and forwardly to the degreesubstantially as indicated, while the corners i6 of the terminal may begiven a slight or minimum curvature, if desired. Thus each terminal l4may be characterized as being a substantially close-d, angulate elementhaving definite rectilinear portions, the rectilinear portions being atleast two in number and arranged at an. appreciate angle to each other.

Further, each arm ll over the greater portion of its length, is offsetinwardly and substantially parallel to the plane of the arm, a at [8,thereby forming corresponding inset shoulders l9 and outset shoulders28, each extending transversely of the iron and serving a purposepresently to appear.

Like each arm II, the body section l0 over the greater portion of itslength intermediate its ends, is similarly offset inwardly and parallelto c the plane of the body, as at 22, to provide corresponding insetshoulders 23 and outset shoulders 24 each directed transversely of theiron. Completing the structure of the improved anchor iron, onelongitudinal marginal edge 26 of the anchor is retained as a flatsurface, providing the drivin edge for the anchor. The oppositelongitudinal edge 21, on the other hand, is preferably sharpened orbevelled throughout the entire length of the strip, to provide a,knife-like entering edge for facilitating seating and driving-in of theanchor.

One or more of the improved anchors may be employed to reinforce the tieend, as this is indicated in Fig. 2', each anchor being embedded thereinin a position predetermined according to the condition of the tie endand the location of the more advanced splits and checks, so as toutilize to best advantage, the rugged effectiveness of the iron againstfurther splitting and checking. As illustrated by Fig. 2, the upper ironis located such that its body section |0 extends across andsubstantially normal to the major vertical check indicated at 30, andsuch that the body and arm sections cross as many as possible of theremaining seasonal and other checks, splits and the like, in the upperhalf of the tie end. Moreover, according to the position of the upperiron in the tie end, the iron spans the normal locations of therail-spikes, as indicated by the dotted lines 3|, and thereby servesadditionally to prevent spike-splitting of the tie. The lower iron maybe positioned in the tie end as shown by Fig. 2, or otherwise located asdesired or as the condition of the tie-end may dictate.

By reason of the presently improved construction, the reinforcing ironis adapted through the generally triangular terminal elements M forself-locking in the timber or tie end. This results from the fact thatduring driving-in of the anchor into the tie-end, these substantiallyclosed, triangular terminals separate and enclose correspondinglytriangular wood portions or pegs, indicated at 32, and in the finalembedded position of the anchor, each terminal becomes frictionallybound to its peg 32, to a degree which assures retention of the anchorin the timber. Moreover, because the terminals M are located laterallybeyond the same side of the body section l0, extrusion of the anchorfrom the timber under the influence of timber splitting and checkingforces actinguponthe anchor body In and its arms I I, is effectivelyresisted through the frictional bindin of the terminals |4 on the timberpegs 32, which thereby counteracts the resulting tendency to cock theiron and its terminals relative to the timber pegs.

A further important function of the terminal elements I4 is to preventturning of the anchor about either terminal as an axis, this beingaccomplished through the angulate or generally triangular form of eachterminal, as Will be readily appreciated. It is to be noted here that byrounding the corners H; of the triangular terminal at least to a slightor minimum degree, inordinate splitting or rupturing of the adjacentwood fibres during driving-in of the iron, will be materially prevented.

By offsetting the portion 22 of the anchor body section II], there areformed the inset shoulders 23 and the outset shoulders 24, as beforedescribed. These shoulders together with the end shoulders I2, inabutting engagement with the adjacent portions of the timber in whichthe anchor is embedded (Fig. 2), thus effectively preclude longitudinaldisplacement of the anchor. Similarly, the inset shoulders l9 and outsetshoulders 2|] formed by offsetting the central longitudinal portion l8of each arm ll, serve in abutting engagement with adjacent portions ofthe timber, a like purpose with respect to the arm II, and additionallyassist the shoulders I2, 23 and 24 in holding the anchor firmly inplace.

From the foregoing description, it will be observed that the improvedanchor as constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, isselflocking in its embedded position in timber, and is markedlyeffective in its holding power against spike splitting, checking andother splitting forces normally occurring in railway cross-ties and thelike.

A modification of the improved anchor of Fig. 1, is shown by Figs. 3 and4. The modified anchor being constructed from suitable strip metalstock, is formed to provide a substantially rectilinear body 35 andrectilinear arms 36 extending laterally from one side of the body andeach terminating in a substantially closed angulate or generallytriangular terminal element 31. By preference in the present example,the arms 36 diverge to a degree similar to that obtaining in respect tothe arms ll of the iron according to Fig. 1, while each of the terminalelements 31 corresponds in shape and arrangement on the end of its arm36, to the terminal M on arm H of the primary embodiment. Likewise, themodified iron is similarly bevelled along one longitudinal margin 38, toprovide a knife-like entering edge, while the opposite longitudinalmargin 40 is retained to serve as a fiat driving head therefor.

The body section 35 in a plurality of spaced zones longitudinallythereof, is formed as by a suitable metal pressing operation, to providesimilar projections 4| appearing by preference on the side of the bodyopposite that from which the arms 36 extend. As shown, each of theseoutstruck elements 4| is of a pyramidal form and of diamond shape at itsbase, as appears in the plan elevation of Fig. 4. Moreover, it ispreferred to arrange each element 4| such that its major axis at thediamond-base is longitudinal of the body 35.

As thus formed, each element 4| presents on one side of the body 35,four substantially planar facets 42 which intersect at the apex 44 ofthe pyramid, and on the opposite side of body 35, an equal number ofsimilar recessed shoulders or facets 45. While three of theseprojections 4| appear on body 35 in the present example, it is to beunderstood that one or any suitable number thereof may be provided, asdesired, and may be located on either or both sides of the body.

Each of the arms 36 according to the present example, is provided with asingle projection 46 of a form similar to the projection 4|, andarranged by preference on the outer side of the arm, with its major baseaxis directed longitudinally thereof. Although only one is shown, morethan one may be provided on either or both sides of the arm, as will bereadily appreciated.

The functional characteristics of the modified anchor device are similarin all major respects, to those hereinabove described for the anchorembodiment of Fig. 1. However, it is to be pointed out here that in theembedded position of the modified anchor, the projections 4| and 46through pressure engagement of the adjacent timber fibres with theexternal and internal facets thereof, serve not only to prevent shiftingof the anchor longitudinally thereof, but to substantially precludeextrusion of the anchor from the timber under the influence of splittingand checking forces occurring in the timber. Thus in this latterrespect, the projections assist the triangular terminals 31 in lockingthe anchor in its embedded position in the cross-tie end.

There is shown by Fig. 5 a modified form of terminal element which maybe employed in place of the triangular terminals l4 on the free ends ofthe arms II in the embodiment of Fig. 1, or in place of the liketerminals 31 on arms 36 of the embodiment as appears in Fig. 3. Themodified terminal conforms to the characterization of the principal formdisclosed, since it is a substantially closed, angulate element havingat least two rectilinear portions 53 and 5| arranged at an appreciableangle to each other, herein shown as approaching a right angularrelationship. The element 50 is joined to the arm (H or 36) of theimproved iron, by a curved portion 52. In all major respects, thefunction of the modified terminal is similar to that described for thetriangular terminal M or 31.

The improved anchor or anti-splitting device according to eitherpreferred embodiment as herein illustrated and described, fully attainsthe foregoing stated objects and others now readily apparent, and may beeasily manufactured with a minimum of forming operations and at low unitcost. Moreover, while the present disclosure concerns presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood thatalterations or modifications in the form and construction of each may bemade without departing from the spirit and intended scope of theinvention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body and relatively divergent armsthereon, and an angulate, substantially closed terminal element on atleast one of said arms, said terminal including at least two angularlyrelated rectilinear portions.

2. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, andlaterally projecting arms thereon, and a substantially closed, angulateterminal element on at least one of said arms, said terminal including aplurality of rectilinear portions.

3. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, armsdiverging from one side of the body, and generally triangular terminalelements on said arms.

4. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body, arms diverging from said body, agenerally triangular terminal element on at least one of said arms, anda shoulder on said body.

5. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body, arms diverging from said body, agenerally triangular terminal element on at least one of said arms, andshoulders on said body and one of said arms.

6. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body of a rectilinear trend, armsextending laterally of the body, generally triangular terminal elementson said arms, and a shoulder on said body.

'7. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body of a rectilinear trend, armsextending laterally of the body, substantially closed, angulate terminalelements on the arms, and shoulders on said body and one of said arms.

8. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, armsdiverging from the ends of the body, and an angulate substantiallyclosed terminal element on at least one of the arms, said body beingdeformed to provide shoulders on opposite sides thereof.

9. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend and armsprojecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in asubstantially triangular terminal element, said body being deformed overa substantial portion of its longitudinal extent, to form inset andoutsetv shoulders thereon.

10. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and armsprojecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in asubstantially triangular terminal element, a substantial portion of saidbody being laterally offset to provide inset shoulders on one side andoutset shoulders on the opposite side of the body.

11. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and armsprojecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in asubstantially triangular terminal element, said body and one of saidarms each being deformed over a substantial portion of its length, toform inset and outset shoulders thereon.

12. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and armsprojecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in asubstantially triangular terminal element, said body being deformed toprovide a projection thereon of substantially pyramidal form.

13. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and armsprojecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in asubstantially triangular terminal element, said body being deformed in azone thereof intermediate its ends, to provide a projection thereon ofsubstantially pyramidal form, defining inset and outset shoulders.

14. An ant-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and armsprojecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in asubstantially triangular terminal element, said body and one of saidarms each being deformed to provide a projection thereon ofsubstantially pyramidal form.

15. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising astrip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, an armextending from said body, and an angulate substantially closed terminalelement on said arm, said body being deformed to provide shouldersthereon.

16. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary member providing a body, an arm projecting from one end of thebody, and an angulate substantially closed terminal element on said arm,one longitudinal margin of said member being adapted to provide theentering edge of the device, said body being deformed by lateraldisplacement of regular portions thereof, to form protuberant shoulderele-. ments each characterized by at least three planarv surfaces, atleast one of such surfaces in each element being inclined substantiallytoward said entering edge of the device.

17. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising aunitary member of strip form providing a body of substantial length,arms projecting from the ends of the body, and an angulate substantiallyclosed terminal element on at least one of said arms, one longitudinalmargin of the member constituting the driving edge of the device and theopposite longitudinal margin adapted to provide the entering edge of thedevice, said body and one of said along one margin thereof and a drivingedge along the opposite margin, and including angulate substantiallyclosed terminal portions at the ends thereof, said device being formedto provide spaced protuberances each providing both inset and outsetplanar portions, certain of said planar portions being inclined towardsaid entering edge and others thereof being inclined toward said drivingedge.

RAYMOND E. BEEGLE.

